Travel Alert for J&K Commuters: While the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains open, fresh landslides and heavy snowfall have blocked other key routes. Here is your confirmed traffic update for Saturday, January 3, 2026.
If you are planning to travel between Jammu and Srinagar or head towards North Kashmir today, you need to drive with extreme caution. The Traffic Police Headquarters J&K has issued a fresh advisory for January 3, 2026, citing mixed road conditions across the Union Territory.
While the main lifeline (NH-44) is operational, treacherous weather has shut down alternate links, and a new landslide has disrupted traffic in Baramulla.
Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44): Open but Slow
The good news is that the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is open for vehicular movement from both sides.
- Allowed Vehicles: Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) are allowed to ply from Jammu to Srinagar and vice-versa.
- The Problem: Traffic is moving slowly due to single-lane stretches at Dalwas, Mehad-Cafeteria, and Gangroo.
- Official Warning: The Traffic Control Unit (TCU) has strongly advised commuters to avoid night travel. Breakdowns of heavy trucks between the Nashri and Navyug tunnels are causing frequent jams after sunset.
Breaking: Landslide Blocks Srinagar-Baramulla Highway
In a fresh development reported late on Friday, a landslide has struck near Eco Park in the Baramulla district.
- Impact: This has blocked the Srinagar-Baramulla National Highway, halting traffic movement.
- Status: Men and machinery are on the job, but delays are expected. Travelers heading to Uri or Baramulla should check the status before starting.
Roads Officially CLOSED Today
Due to fresh snowfall accumulation at high-altitude passes, the following roads are completely closed for all traffic on Jan 3, 2026:
- Mughal Road: Closed due to heavy snow at Peer Ki Gali.
- Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road: Closed for vehicular movement.
- Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag Road (NH-244): Closed due to dangerous slippery conditions at Sinthan Top.
Srinagar-Leh Highway Update
There is a partial relief for those stuck in Ladakh. After a four-day closure, the Srinagar-Leh highway was partially reopened yesterday for one-way passenger traffic from Minamarg to Sonamarg.
- Note: Traffic from Sonamarg towards Kargil remains suspended as the road condition beyond Zojila is still being assessed by BRO (Border Roads Organisation).
National Road Safety Month 2026 Begins
Amid these challenges, the administration has kicked off the National Road Safety Month (Jan 1–31, 2026) across districts like Doda and Kishtwar. Drivers are being strictly penalized for:
- Not wearing seatbelts/helmets.
- Wrong-side driving.
- Over-speeding on slippery mountain roads.
Helpline Numbers (Save These)
Before starting your journey, confirm the live status from official Traffic Control Units:
- Jammu TCU: 0191-2459048
- Srinagar TCU: 0194-2450022
- Ramban TCU: 9419993745
- Official Updates: J&K Traffic Police Twitter
What Happens Next?
The Meteorological Department has predicted dry but cold weather for the next 48 hours. This might help in clearing the Mughal Road, but for now, NH-44 is your only reliable option between the two capitals.
FAQs: Traffic Update Jan 3, 2026
A: Yes, NH-44 is open for traffic from both sides, but expect slow movement at Ramban and Banihal.
A: No, Mughal Road is closed today (Jan 3) due to heavy snow accumulation at Peer Ki Gali.
A: You can travel, but be aware of a landslide near Eco Park (Baramulla) which has disrupted the highway. Expect delays.
A: Yes, anti-skid chains are mandatory if you are traveling towards Sonamarg, Gulmarg, or crossing the Zojila axis.
Disclaimer: Road status can change within minutes due to landslides or shooting stones. Always rely on the official advisory from J&K Traffic Police before starting your journey.
